Daniel Frank Lytle
July 20, 1940- November 8, 2024

A truly lovely man passed away on November 8, 2024, surrounded by myself, our daughter Sarah, and all four of our grandaughters: Erin, Gracie, Lylah and Ava. Also present was our dearest Brigid.

Dan was born in Alhambra, California to parents Barbara and Lowell Lytle. His sister Sharon was born two years later. The close-knit family moved to San Gabriel when he was three. The Mission San Gabriel Archangel had a large influence on his life. As well as being an altar boy, he attended kindergarten through twelfth grade there. After graduation he did odd jobs around the Mission— everything from digging the graves in the cemetery, to helping the cook Maria in the rectory. The latter inspired his love of cooking. He was also a docent at the Mission.

A life lived for 84 years is so difficult to sum up in a few paragraphs. Dan enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He was self-taught by way of Julia Childs cookbooks. Dan was a voracious reader, having a vast library. He loved world and US history. But also spent many hours reading about different faiths and cultures, as well as sciences. Dan enjoyed traveling. His first trip to Europe was a solo trip in 1972. Together we traveled several times to Mexico, Europe, Hawaii and various places in the U.S. Dan loved classical music, theater and art. He shared this love with others in his life, helping to expose them to the arts.

Dan also held a strong work ethic. He was employed by several engineering firms in Southern California. He never called in sick or showed up late to work, which earned him respect from his superiors. He was well met, and well liked by his coworkers. Dan enjoyed his work life, being productive, and the social aspect that came with work. The work that he cherished and thrived in was his volunteer position as the director of the St. Joseph food bank, the Pantry Shelf. He expanded his repertoire of skills to include grant writing, public speaking, delivery, stock clerking, among many others. This work gave him so much satisfaction, knowing that he was giving back to the community

The adjectives that come to mind when I think of Dan are many — intelligent, gentle, humorous, imaginative, intuitive, well met, kind and loving. Mostly loving. He loved me and our family beyond measure. We met at work. It was love at first sight for me, and friendship at first sight for him. After three years of being friends, we went on our first date January of 1979. He proposed to me in the gardens of the San Gabriel Mission that May. We were married at the Mission October of that year. We went on to become a family of 5 with the birth of our children; Danny Jr, Sarah, and Timmy.

Dan was a present father in his kids lives, and later became a father figure in his granddaughters lives as well. Our kids and grandkids had the benefit of his imagination not just the stories he created, but in the masterful re-telling of classic stories such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. They were exciting, intense, and sometimes, a wee bit scary. Dad, Poppa, Grandpapa, was there for sporting events, school events or special occasions. But most importantly, he was there everyday. The family sat down for dinners every night, many of those prepared by Dan. Dan even endured many years of camping trips. Not his favorite pastime, but that’s how much he loved us. Dan’s family never had to wonder if he loved them. He told them and showed them on a daily basis.

Dan’s love for me was transformative. Truly I would not be who I am today if it were not for Dan. He believed I could do and be anything. And made me believe it. It was Dan who made an insightful observation that started me on my path to becoming a registered nurse. It was Dan who gave me the confidence to pursue my profession. Dan took over the household duties. Between Dan and our dear friends, Tom and Elise Frederick, the house was maintained, the children were taken care of, and I was allowed to focus on my studies. There was no one more proud of my accomplishments than Dan. His love made me a better person. Dan truly did raise me up. We were blessed to have 45 years together. We were soulmates, and he will always be the love of my life.

Dan’s journey with cancer began in December of 2021. In true Dan fashion, he approached it as a learning experience and a new adventure that we went on together. We are both grateful for the blessings along the way we received from so many people, from the many doctors at UCSF to our family and friends. I need to thank my co-workers at Redwood Memorial Hospital, who showed me grace when I needed to be home with Dan. I am blessed to work with such a caring group. I need to thank Deacon Tom Silva, who is truly a servant of God. He came when I called and ministered to Dan and our whole family. My friend Donna McQueen has been instrumental in putting the memorial service together. I can’t thank her enough. I need to mention Doctor Cass Kennedy. I don’t know what it was, but Dan and Doctor Kennedy immediately had a fondness for one another. Doctor Kennedy was instrumental throughout Dan’s journey. It wasn’t just her expertise, but her caring and going the extra mile that endeared her to both Dan and I. I can’t say enough about Brigid Young, I really can’t. More sister than friend to us both. Our kids and grandkids call her Auntie Brigid. Brigid was here daily. She moved quietly, making sure things got done. The housework, food, transportation and just being present with Dan and myself. Brigid is truly selfless. Thank you to her husband Tim for so graciously sharing her with us. Lastly I need to thank our daughter Sarah and our four grandaughters who traveled this journey with us, especially the last four weeks. Sarah brought so much comfort to her Dad, and helped hold down the fort. The grandaughters took turns sitting and talking with him, and being a source of comfort for us. One of the lessons of the Cross is that it was the women who stayed and were present.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Barbara Lytle. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; his children, Danny Jr., Sarah Olson, and Timmy Lytle; and his grandchildren, Erin Lytle, Grace Olson, Lylah Olson, Ava Olson, and Dawson Lytle. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Palmer (Gary); his brother-in-law, Leo Dooley; and his sisters-in-law, Colleen Haight (Jeff) and Mary-Anne Dooley. Additionally, Dan is survived by his cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Dan will be held Saturday, January 18 at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph Parish activity center located adjacent to the parish office at 2292 Newburg Rd., Fortuna. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Joseph Pantry food bank, St. Vincent de Paul in Eureka, or the Red Cross for the L.A. wildfires.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Daniel Lytle’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.